The Grand Slam: Analyzing the Orioles (Week 17)

Baltimore Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron

No news isn't good news: Baseball operations chief Dan Duquette undoubtedly worked hard to find some help before the July 31 deadline for making trades without passing players through waivers, but all he succeeded in doing was raising expectations and then dashing them. Orioles fans were hoping for at least one more solid hitter or pitcher, but instead had to watch as the good teams got better and their team stood pat. That's disappointing, but Duquette was right not to make a deal just for a public relations bump. Giving up a top prospect for a two-month rental would have been a mistake.

No news isn't good news: Baseball operations chief Dan Duquette undoubtedly worked hard to find some help before the July 31 deadline for making trades without passing players through waivers, but all he succeeded in doing was raising expectations and then dashing them. Orioles fans were hoping for at least one more solid hitter or pitcher, but instead had to watch as the good teams got better and their team stood pat. That's disappointing, but Duquette was right not to make a deal just for a public relations bump. Giving up a top prospect for a two-month rental would have been a mistake. (Baltimore Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron)

Sometimes, the grass isn't greener: The Orioles would be a better team with Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton, but don't lose any sleep over that deal falling through. Blanton is a guy who can eat innings and backstop a banged-up rotation, but he's not somebody who is going to propel a team into the playoffs. Frankly, he looks a lot like Tommy Hunter from here. That's not a shot at Hunter, who seems to be coming around, but if you're going to deal, say, Jonathan Schoop, you've got to get somebody who is going to be a clear upgrade.

Sometimes, the grass isn't greener: The Orioles would be a better team with Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton, but don't lose any sleep over that deal falling through. Blanton is a guy who can eat innings and backstop a banged-up rotation, but he's not somebody who is going to propel a team into the playoffs. Frankly, he looks a lot like Tommy Hunter from here. That's not a shot at Hunter, who seems to be coming around, but if you're going to deal, say, Jonathan Schoop, you've got to get somebody who is going to be a clear upgrade. (Getty Images)